Definition Custody (Physical) - defines the physical location of the child. The parent with whom the child resides is said to have physical custody.
Application in Divorce Physical custody defines and declares the child’s residency.

Sole Physical Custody: when the child lives with one parent and the other has specific visitation rights.

Joint Physical Custody: when a child is able to reside with each parent for a substantial amount of time during the course of a calendar year. The arrangement does not have to be split 50-50, but it does require some consistent plan or schedule. This type of custody arrangement is not very common, for it is rare when this type of arrangement is found to be best for a child.

Don't Forget to Visit Our Online Support Community

Questions & Answers
Helpful Tips & Facts
  1. The Custodial Parent Minimal Requirements
    At a minimum, the custodial parent must
    1. have a suitable place to live
    2. provide adequate supervision when no one is at home
    3. maintain reasonable discipline
    4. give nurturing and affection
Additional Resources
The Discount Divorce Bookstore Discounts
Visit the Original Online Divorce Bookstore for quick and easy access to quality books, manuals, divorce forms, software and other divorce related products. The store delivers you these products in a confidential and secure fashion with excellent customer satisfaction. All of our products are in stock and are shipped to you within one business day of the order by U.S. Priority Mail. Help Us - Help You.

Browse the Store Categories...

Books We Publish Child Support Children and Divorce
Custody & Visitation Divorce (General) Do It Yourself Divorce
Domestic Abuse Friendly Divorce Grandparent’s Rights
Infidelity Mediation Men Only
Military Divorce Property and Financial Aspects Recovery From Divorce
Religion and Spirituality Saving Marriage Separation
Women Only
Find Divorce Professionals We have an ever-growing list of divorce professionals that contribute to DivorceDex.com. To view a list of professionals in your area, please select your state:
ALERT: If you are a divorce professional (attorney, mediator, counselor, financial planner, etc.) generating new clients by joining the directory is easy and free.

FastFacts
#921: Before you get married, make sure you are divorced. This is a speedbump for many who have not seen an estranged spouse for quite some time, but the act of committing bigamy could easily come back to haunt you.
FastFact Sponsor
Parenting Thru Divorce
Advertisement QdroDesk
QDRO Preparation - QdroDesk™ is an industry proven online service providing an instant, easy, accurate, and affordable method for obtaining Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).
Advertisement 123DivorceMe
Online Divorce - With or without children, 123DivorceMe.com is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to file your own uncontested divorce.
Advertisement Parenting Through Divorce
Online Parenting Class - Avoid the hassle of completing the mandatory course by taking the "Positive Parenting Through Divorce" class online.